It is with tremendous humility that I accept the role of Temporary Supply Pastor of Church of the Hills. I had no idea that this was how things were going to unfold but here we stand. I would like to communicate with all of you as often as possible. In the midst of the trials, I see wounds, sorrow, hopes and possibilities.

I met with the Session on Monday February21, 2017. Before they approved my role as pastor, I laid out several priorities. The top three are as follows: Continue to worship God through excellent worship, address the process of healing, and organize immediate programmatic needs.

I, in collaboration with many of you, will strive to prepare and coordinate excellent worship. As a people of the Lord, we find meaning and purpose in God’s presence in worship. Fortunately, we are blessed with the leadership of Hanna, Stephanie, and so many others that coordinate worship.

I, in collaboration with the session and congregational members, will work to further the “Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church.” This is what I have chosen to call the “healing process.” Teaching Elders (ministers), Ruling Elders (session elders), and Deacons take a vow to further the “peace, unity, and purity” of the church. I take that vow very seriously. As, most of us know, we are a wounded people. And, if we want to move into the future as a community of faith then we have to address the wounds and work toward the reconciliation that is absolutely possible, in Jesus Christ.

I, in collaboration with the Session, Board of Deacons, and others will work to address the programmatic and nurturing pieces that need immediate attention. These range from the needs of the building to Christian Education. There is a tremendous amount to be addressed. I ask for your humble patience as we prioritize the needs and work to address them.

I want you to know that I was relieved and pleased when I met with the Session. The Elders are diligently identifying the needs of the community and examining their role and responsibilities in serving Jesus’ church. Things are far from perfect but they are committed to their call to serve this community. I ask you to please pray for them. Pray for God’s wisdom to be with them, for the Holy Spirit’s resolve and strength to sustain them, and for Jesus’ gentleness to guide them.

On a personal note, some of you have noticed that I have not yet moved into the office. I will certainly do that in the days/week to come. I am meeting with a variety of people and beginning to discern the Lord’s lead as we work toward healing. I am also taking the time to plan worship in the weeks to come. Moving my things to the office hasn’t been a priority yet. I will move in, please don’t worry. I simply have put our relationship with God and one another first. As soon as my church email is established, we will send it out in an email and print in the bulletin. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at 303-818-4415 or spboucher@msn.com.

We are a people of hope. We are the people of redemption. We are the people of new possibility. Please pray for the leadership of this church and remember, this is Jesus’ church, if we listen then he will lead us to heal and find new meaning according to his will.